The proud, upstanding representative of all that is well and good about Central America, Costa Rica is a lush haven amidst turbulent surroundings. Visitors to this small, coffee-growing country will discover miles of prime beach on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, acres of carefully conserved rainforest and dozens of outdoor sports offerings to impress even the bravest sportsman.

With a pleasant temperature throughout the dry season, Costa Rica makes itself very inviting to couples looking to honeymoon on its beaches, surfers looking for the finest waves in Central America and urbanites looking for a taste of the jungle. Our patented three-day itinerary will show just how much fun a voyage to Costa Rica can be. Like most trips to this gem of a country, it all starts in the capital of San Jose.

Note: All prices are in U.S. dollars.

Day 1: The crossroads of Costa Rica

As the transportation hub of Costa Rica, San Jose is the point of entry where visitors of all kinds invariably spend a day or two before moving on to the rainforest or beach. Some feel that this makes the city a tourist destination only by default, but this bad rep is unjustified. Though the city has more of an American feel than other Latin American metropolises, San Jose's character is still unmistakably its own. A one-day stroll throughout the city is all that's required to see beyond the cookie-cutter shopping malls and find the goodness that lies beneath.

First off, though, you need a place to stay. The Hotel Grano de Oro is a converted old mansion with unique rooms, two rooftop Jacuzzis and a great restaurant that boasts some of San Jose's best desserts. The Vista de Oro suite is impressive but, at $250 a night, rather pricey.

You may want to opt for one of the $90 standard rooms instead. Whatever the level of accommodations, you'll be impressed with the style and hospitality of this little hotel, which is conveniently located near the downtown area.

see the lively cultura

Downtown San Jose can be tough to navigate — it features a network of haphazardly-placed avenues and urban centers — but it's where the action is. As this will be your lone full day in the city, take advantage by first visiting the Plaza de la Cultura. This square is dominated by the Teatro Nacional, a performing arts center and by far San Jose's most impressive building. If you're interested in catching some Costa Rican theater, purchase tickets for a night show, then stroll through the surrounding shops and take in the marimba bands, jugglers, clowns, and other street entertainers.

San Jose is said to be the most cosmopolitan of Central American cities, and you'll see evidence of that in the number of multiracial families who stroll by as you make your way down the city's Avenida Central, one of the main thoroughfares.

Your next destination should be the Centro Nacional de Arte y Cultura, a block-long cultural center that houses the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. The name may make it seem drab, but the galleries in this museum show are home to some very unique works of arts by a legion of talented Latin artists. Admission is a mere $1, so it's certainly worth visiting.